Distributed Wireless Power Receiving Elements for Space-Constrained Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges in designing wireless charging systems for electronic devices arise due to restrictions on resonator placement caused by 'keep out' areas for communication antennas and form factors that limit the size and placement of resonators, particularly in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A system of distributed power receiving elements, including coils and segments of the device casing, connected in various combinations to form resonant or non-resonant circuits, with switches and rectifier circuits to combine and rectify induced currents for power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single resonator is used for wireless charging, then the device structure is simple, but the available area for the resonator is insufficient due to antenna keep out areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the resonator into multiple distributed power receiving elements (first, second, third receiving elements) positioned at different locations within the device. These segmented elements can be distributed around antenna keep out areas, allowing the total resonator area to be sufficient while navigating around restricted zones. Each element independently contributes to power reception, solving the space constraint problem.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple power receiving elements are distributed at different locations, then adequate power can be generated despite space constraints, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distributed power receiving elements with a switching network and combining circuit to form an integrated power reception system. The switching network selectively connects the distributed elements in series or parallel configurations, and the combining circuit aggregates their outputs. This merging approach maintains adequate power generation from distributed elements while organizing the complexity into a manageable integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic switching network that can reconfigure the connections between distributed power receiving elements based on operating conditions. The switches selectively connect elements in different configurations (series/parallel), allowing the system to adapt to varying power requirements and spatial constraints. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes power reception efficiency while managing system complexity through adaptive control.
3Volume of moving object
If the device form factor is small, then portability is improved, but practical placement of a resonator becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resonator into multiple small power receiving elements that can be distributed throughout the compact device volume. Instead of requiring a single large resonator that would exceed the small form factor, the segmentation allows multiple smaller elements to be positioned in available spaces around antennas and other components, achieving sufficient total resonator area within the constrained volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional distribution of power receiving elements throughout the device volume rather than confining them to a single plane. Elements are positioned at different locations and orientations (e.g., first receiving element in a first plane, second receiving element in a second plane), effectively using vertical and lateral spacing to accommodate adequate resonator area within the small form factor device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient power transfer by leveraging multiple receiving elements and casing segments to generate adequate power despite space constraints, optimizing power generation and distribution within electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first current is produced through electromagnetic induction of a first power receiving element at a first location
Implementation Method 2
A second voltage level may be produced by a second rectifier circuit that converts a time-varying signal that results from the second power receiving element to a DC signal
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 4A
AI summary
An apparatus for wireless charging may include a casing for housing an electronic device and a plurality of power receiving elements that can couple to an externally generated magnetic field to wirelessly power or charge a load in the electronic device. At least one of the power receiving elements may comprise an electrically conductive segment of the casing.